{"product_id":"muga-rioja-blanco-2023","title":"Muga Rioja Blanco 2023","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWinery Background and History\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eFounded in 1932 in Haro, the heart of Rioja Alta, Bodegas Muga is a family-run winery renowned for its dedication to traditional winemaking techniques. The Muga family emphasizes craftsmanship, utilizing their own cooperage to produce custom oak barrels, a rarity in modern winemaking. This commitment to tradition and quality has positioned Muga as a benchmark producer in the Rioja region.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eProducer and Winemaker\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eBodegas Muga is managed by the Muga family, who oversee all aspects of production, from vineyard management to winemaking. Their approach combines traditional methods with modern innovations, ensuring each wine reflects the unique terroir of Rioja. The family’s hands-on involvement and commitment to excellence are evident in the consistent quality of their wines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eVineyards and Microclimate\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eThe grapes for Muga Blanco 2023 are sourced from vineyards in the Valle del Oja and Alto Najerilla regions of Rioja Alta. These areas feature calcareous clay and ferrous clay soils, contributing to the wine’s complexity and minerality. The continental climate, with Atlantic influences, provides ideal conditions for growing Viura, Garnacha Blanca, and Malvasía grapes, resulting in wines with balanced acidity and expressive fruit character. \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eVinification \u0026amp; Aging Methods\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eThe grapes are hand-harvested and undergo gentle maceration with the skins in the press. Fermentation occurs in new, lightly toasted French oak barrels of various sizes. Post-fermentation, the wine remains in the barrels for four months, with lees stirring (bâtonage) conducted twice weekly during the initial months and daily in the final month. This process enhances the wine’s texture and complexity. \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eMuga Blanco 2023 displays a pale straw-yellow color. The nose reveals a complex bouquet of citrus notes like lemon and lemon cake, floral aromas of white blossom, and hints of vanilla. On the palate, it offers well-balanced acidity, with reemerging citrus and floral notes, complemented by stone fruit flavors and a long, refreshing finish. \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eFood \u0026amp; Wine Pairing\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eThis wine pairs excellently with grilled fish, shellfish, and rice dishes. Its freshness and balance also make it an ideal aperitif or accompaniment to light appetizers on a terrace. \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eService Methods and Temperatures\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eServe Muga Blanco at a temperature of 8–10°C (46–50°F) to fully appreciate its aromas and flavors. Chilling the wine enhances its freshness and highlights its citrus and floral notes. Use medium-sized white wine glasses to allow the wine to express its full bouquet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eStorage and Aging Potential\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eWhile Muga Blanco is enjoyable upon release, it has the potential to age gracefully for up to 3 years. Proper storage in a cool, dark place with stable temperatures will preserve its freshness and allow subtle complexities to develop over time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eGrape Varietals \u0026amp; Percentage Used\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eViura, Garnacha Blanca, and Malvasía de Rioja. \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eABV (Alcohol by Volume)\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e13.5%\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eScores\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p4\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eJames Suckling\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e: 92 points\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eEnterwine\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e: 91 points\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"ASC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47922359861462,"sku":null,"price":174.0,"currency_code":"HKD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0809\/5465\/4934\/files\/MugaRiojaBlanco.png?v=1773669280","url":"https:\/\/www.pinotera.com\/products\/muga-rioja-blanco-2023","provider":"Pinotera Wines \u0026 Spirits","version":"1.0","type":"link"}